"I'm afraid it isn't possible," is the answer. But the doctor can't get his eyes really off Sally. Even as a small boy might strain at the leash to get back to a source of cake against the grasp of an iron nurse, even so Dr. Conrad rebels against the grip of professional engagements, which is the name of his cold, remorseless tyrant. But Sally is harnessing up a coach-and-six to drive through human obligations. Her manner of addressing the doctor suggests previous talk on the subject. "You _must_ get the locum, and come. You know you can, and it's all nonsense about can't." What would be effrontery in another character makes Sally speak through and across the company. A secret confidence between herself and the doctor, that you are welcome to the full knowledge of, and be hanged to you! is what the manner of the two implies. "I spoke to Neckitt about it, and he can't manage it," says the doctor in the same manner. But the first and second violin are waiting to take leave. "We'll say good-night, then--or good-bye, if it's for six weeks." Tishy is perfectly unblushing about the _we_. She might be conveying Mr. Tishy away. They go, and get away from Dr. Vereker, by-the-bye. An awkward third isn't wanted. "There's plenty more Neckitts where he comes from," pursues Sally, as the "other two"--for that is how Fenwick thinks of them--get themselves and their instruments out of the house. "So don't be nonsensical, Dr. Conrad.... Stop a moment. I _must_ speak to Tishy." And Sally gives chase, and overtakes the other two just by the fire-alarm, where Fenwick came to a standstill. Do you remember? It certainly has been a record effort to "get away first." You know this experience yourself at parties? Sally speaks to Tishy in the glorious summer night, and the three talk together earnestly under innumerable constellations, and one gas-lamp that elbows the starry heavens out of the way--a self-asserting, cheeky gas-lamp. The doctor organizes tactics rapidly. He can hear that Sally's step goes up the street, and then the voices at a distance. If he can say good-bye and rush away just as Sally does the same, why then they will meet outside, don't you see? Rosalind and her husband seem to have wireless telegrams passing. For when Sally vanishes there is a ring as of instruction received in the tone of Fenwick's voice as he addresses the doctor: "Couldn't you manage to get your mother to come too, Vereker? She must be terribly in want of a change." "So I tell her; but she's so difficult to move." "Have a sedan-chair thing----" "I don't mean that--not physically difficult. I mean she's got so anchored no one can persuade her to move. She hasn't been away for ages." "Sally must go and persuade her." It is Rosalind who says this. "I'm sure Sally will manage it."